Do you wash your fans in dawn ? It will take a bunch of dirt etc out and then if you blow dry the feathers will come out nice and full !

I did my first mount this year and just cut all the meat off, wire brushed the fat, applied borax, and set it with Bondo. I'm assuming you are meaning washing it before setting it? Since I've already Bondo'ed this thing in place, I assume washing it is out of the question. Most feathers are close to perfect, so I'm not sure it's worth the effort for this one any way. May try washing in the future if it works well.

Yes before setting. I clean off all the meat and oil glands then wash in dawn then rinse out all suds then blow dry them either bondo or pin to board. U would be surprised what comes out in the wash. Also cleans up the curled and frayed ends.